Discitis Flashcards
What is discitis?
An infection in the intervertebral disc space
What complications can discitis lead to?
Sepsis
Epidural abscess
How can discitis present?
Back pain
General features
Neurological features
What general features can discitis present with?
pyrexia,
rigors
sepsiS
What neurological features can discitis present with?
e.g. changing lower limb neurology
if an epidural abscess develops
What is the most common cause of discitis?
Bacterial- Staph aureus
What are RF for discitis?
IV drug using
Immunosuppression
How can discitis be diagnosed?
MRI
What is the management of discitis?
IV antibiotics 6-8 weeks
What should a patient with discitis be investigated for?
Endocarditis
How can a patient with discitis be investigated for endocarditis?
Transthoracic echocardiogram
What other investigations can you do for discitis?
X-ray: Narrowing of vertebral space
WCC: raised
